BOA in ticketing U-turn as Team GB athletes are awarded two free passes

Britain's Olympic athletes will be given two free tickets for family or friends each time they compete at the Games in London.

For some, such as a sprinter who makes it through to a final and then runs in the relay rounds, it could mean up to 10 free tickets.

UK Athletics said they would fund all the tickets from their own resources.

Ticket to ride: Olympic competitors will be given two tickets per event they are in

The federation would not put a figure on the cost beyond admitting that it was a ‘considerable investment’.

With the athletics team expected to number around 75 and tickets costing a minimum of £50 for semi-finals and final sessions, it will cost a five-figure sum.

‘This is essentially a performance decision — the last thing we want athletes to be worrying about is the cost and availability of tickets for their mum and dad, boyfriend or girlfriend, husband or wife,’ said Niels de Vos, UKA chief executive.

Thinking of the athletes: UK Athletics chief executive Niels de Vos says he does not want competitors to worry about tickets

And Holly Bleasdale, British pole vault record-holder, added: ‘Having people close to me there and supporting me is a big boost. I always compete to my best when I’m happiest. It’s a massive confidence booster.’

UK Athletics are the first national federation to agree to pay for tickets the London 2012 Organising Committee have promised for athletes’ families, but that does not help with the problem identified by Sir Chris Hoy’s father.

He complained that two tickets for each appearance would mean an athlete faces the unenviable choice between parents and spouses.